Study Abroad

BCTC Global Learning is excited to offer the 2026 China Global Exchange. From March 13–23, 2026, BCTC students will travel to China to engage in hands-on educational projects, explore Chinese culture and history, and connect with local student leaders, educators, and professionals. This unique program is designed for students interested in business studies, language learning, and the humanities. 

Program Cost: $2,000 plus tuition for a 3-credit hour course offered during Spring 2026 semester (IES 235).

At this time, no financial assistance programs are available at BCTC. However, BCTC Global Learning and trip coordinators are actively fundraising to provide future discounts and assistance.

Eligibility:

• Applicants must be currently enrolled at BCTC.
• Minimum GPA of 2.0 required. For first-semester students, GPA will be checked through mid-term grades, and conditional acceptance will be granted until Fall GPA is reported.
• Applicants must be in good standing with all BCTC policy, procedures and codes of conduct.

Courses offered on the program include:

• Business Studies
• Chinese Language and Culture
• Humanities

Apply to Study Abroad in China!

BCTC Global Learning is excited to offer the 2026 Ireland Innovative Exchange. From May 16–28, 2026, BCTC students will travel to Ireland to complete hands-on educational projects, meet Irish student leaders, educators, and professionals, and experience Irish culture. 

Program Cost: $3,450 plus tuition for a 3-credit hour course.

At this time, no financial assistance programs are available at BCTC. However, BCTC Global Learning and trip coordinators are actively fundraising to provide future discounts and assistance.

Eligibility:

• Applicants must be currently enrolled at BCTC.
• Minimum GPA of 2.0 required. For first-semester students, GPA will be checked through mid-term grades, and conditional acceptance will be granted until Fall GPA is reported.

Course offered on program include:

• Criminal Justice
• Human Services
• Humanities 

Apply to Study Abroad in Ireland!

BCTC Global Learning is excited to work with the Kentucky Institute for International Studies (KIIS) to offer 2026 KIIS Costa Rica. From June 3-20, 2026. BCTC students will travel with students from all over the state and region to Costa Rica to complete hands-on educational projects, meet Costa Rican students, leaders, educators, and professionals, and experience Costa Rican culture. 

Program Cost: $3,495 plus airfare.

Course offered on program include:

• Latin American Studies
• Conservation Psychology
• Global Public Health

Learn more and apply for the Study Abroad in Costa Rica!

Studying abroad can feel expensive, but there are many ways to make it affordable. Scholarships, grants, and financial aid can all help cover costs—and community college students are often very competitive applicants since many funders want to support first-generation and non-traditional students.

Financial Aid at BCTC

Some forms of federal and state financial aid may be used for study abroad, depending on your financial need and when you plan to go abroad.

• The BCTC Financial Aid Office offers daily walk-in counseling from 8:00–4:30 or you can schedule a remote appointment through the BCTC website under Affording College.
• If you’re considering studying abroad, talk to them early to understand your eligibility and options.

Other Assistance

There are many different scholarships that are open for students who need help paying for a study abroad program. There are some based on things like need, location, and much more.

The best way to find these scholarships is by just looking through pre-programmed websites that you can filter to your qualifications.

You can also research the program companies that you are interested in to see what scholarships they offer. Be sure to ask your study abroad coordinator for help!

Both options have unique benefits, and the “better” choice really depends on what you want to get out of your study abroad experience.

• Homestay: Living with a host family gives you the chance to experience daily life from a local perspective. You’ll practice the language more naturally, learn cultural traditions firsthand, and gain the support of a family environment.
• Dorm or Student Housing: Living in a dorm offers more independence and flexibility. You’ll often be surrounded by other international or local students, which can make it easier to travel, socialize, and experience what it’s like to live on your own abroad.

Think about your goals! If you want a deep cultural immersion and family support, a homestay may be best. If you prefer independence and student-centered social life, a program that offers on campus residences or dorm access might be a better fit.

Studying abroad allows you to open your mindset and explore the huge world around us. Not only will this show employers that you immersed yourself into a new world, but it will show them that you are capable of adapting to change. It helps you learn how to communicate with people in a new way by finding what you have in common. Studying abroad expands your worldview and gives you lifelong memories, but it also provides career advantages that employers notice.

Employer Insights

• 25% of employers say international experience is a top priority when hiring (QS, 2020).
• Employers who prioritize hiring candidates with study abroad experience are more satisfied with their performance (QS, 2018).
• 73% of students reported talking about their study abroad experience in an interview, and over 50% said it led to a job offer (IIE, 2017).

Skills Employers Value

Studying abroad helps you strengthen key job-ready skills, including:

• Adaptability & problem-solving
• Teamwork & collaboration
• Intercultural communication
• Critical thinking & independence
• Language skills

Employers want to see international experience on your résumé and hear about it in your interview. Be sure to highlight your study abroad experience—whether in your cover letter, job applications, or graduate school essays. It could be the factor that helps you land your next opportunity.

Your study abroad experience is what you make of it, so take time to be intentional and proactive. Here are a few tips:

• Set personal goals: Make a list of what you want to experience, learn, or accomplish abroad. This will help guide your choices and ensure you focus on what matters most to you.
• Be independent: If you usually go along with what others want, this is your chance to step out on your own. Don’t be afraid to share your opinions or do activities solo—you’ll often learn the most about yourself this way.
• Say yes to new experiences: Try new foods, explore different neighborhoods, and attend cultural events. This may be your only chance to immerse yourself in this country.
• Build connections: The friendships you make—whether with locals or other international students—will shape your journey and create lifelong memories.
• Reflect often: Keep a journal, blog, or photo diary to process what you’re

The more open you are to new experiences and connections, the richer your study abroad journey will be.

There isn’t one “best” time—only the time that works best for you. Every student has different academic goals, personal commitments, and comfort levels with traveling.

That said, college is one of the most convenient times to study abroad because programs are designed for students and financial aid or scholarships may apply.

When deciding, think about:

• Academics: Which semester or summer fits best with your degree plan?
• Personal goals: Do you want to focus on language, culture, internships, or general exploration?
• Timing: Are you ready now, or would you prefer to wait until later in your college journey?

BCTC Study Abroad advisors can help you choose a program and timing that fits your academic and personal goals. Email us at bl-studyabroad@kctcs.edu.

The “right time” is the time that aligns with your goals—and only you can decide when that is.

There is no "best" time to study abroad. Each person will have a different way of completing their goals and a different time than they feel comfortable traveling abroad. However, traveling is much more accessible to students, so studying abroad during college is one of the more convenient times to gain experience.

Most students choose when to study abroad based on completely different things. You are the only one who will know when the right time to go abroad is, but your study abroad coordinator can help you choose a time that makes sense for you academically.